Dave is a former Big from The Noble Academy who has since graduated with a full-ride scholarship to Northwestern University. He now serves as a mentor in the university’s Black Mentorship Program.
Lion’s Pride Mentoring made a huge impact on my life because it has been my dream to be able to be a provider and care for others. Lion’s Pride taught me valuable skills to not only care for myself, but care for others through guidance. I was also able to participate in mock interview trials, gain valuable volunteer experience, and actively nurture a mentor-mentee relationship.
What opportunities did Lion's Pride bring to you?
Is there one story that is particularly near and dear to your heart?
My mentee was nervous about her grades and standing. I garnered all of my tools and advice from Ms. Gilstrap, and I was able to guide my mentee through her worries, increase her GPA and make her feel more comfortable in school. I have since graduated from TNA, and my mentee and I still communicate and she shares her grades and updates me with her many accomplishments.
Being involved with Lion’s Pride has changed me tremendously. I received a full-ride scholarship to Northwestern University and am now a mentor in Northwestern’s Black Mentorship Program, which is a community-driven initiative that provides a dedicated and empowering space for Black students at Northwestern by fostering meaningful relationships, shared values, and collective progress. I do believe that without my time at Lion’s Pride as a Mentor, I wouldn’t be able to hold my current position in BMP
